Judge Allows GTA Civil Suit to Proceed

Share.

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Denied by Court.

By Wade Steel

The civil suit filed by the families of three individuals who were slain by a teenager who claimed that he was influenced by the Grand Theft Auto series will be allowed to proceed according to a ruling by Judge James Moore, the case's presiding jurist.

Judge Moore's ruling came in response to a motion filed by the case's defendants -- Take 2 Interactive, Rockstar Games, Sony Computer Enterainment America, GameStop, and Wal-Mart -- to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the victims' families due to "lack of merit." Citing Alabama state law, Judge Moore stated that such a motion was premature due to the early stage of the litigation as well as the nature of the plaintiffs' claims.

While this ruling will have no impact on the outcome of the case, it is clearly a blow to the defendants and a victory for the plaintiffs.

It is worth noting that the plaintiffs are being represented by members of the law firm of Jack Thompson, the flamboyant Miami-based attorney and anti-videogame violence crusader.

Mr. Thompson was previously a member of the plaintiffs' legal team for the Alabama trial but his public behavior raised ethical concerns that caused Judge Moore to revoke Mr. Thompson's license to practice law in the state of Alabama and refer the matter to the Alabama Bar Association for investigation. Mr. Thompson insists that he voluntarily removed himself from the case.

We will keep you informed as matters progress on what is potentially a very significant trial for the interactive entertainment industry.